Five RNLI lifeboats involved in search for missing microlight aircraft
Five RNLI lifeboats were launched last night (Thursday 9 June) from Larne and Red Bay in Northern Ireland and Portpatrick in Scotland to take part in an extensive search for a missing microlight aircraft.
The launch was requested by the coastguard when the aircraft was reported overdue at 8.30pm and a major search operation was put in place.
Joining the five RNLI lifeboats in the major search were the Irish Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue 116 along with a rescue helicopter from Prestwick and local coastguard teams.
Search conditions were described as extremely challenging as visibility was poor due to thick fog. Larne RNLI launched their all-weather lifeboat and D class lifeboat, Red Bay RNLI launched their Atlantic 85 and all-weather lifeboat along with the all-weather lifeboat from Portpatrick. The lifeboats between them searched a huge area off the Northern Ireland coastline before standing down the search after 4am.
It is expected that the search will resume again this morning; however weather conditions remain poor with heavy fog still present.
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